Michael van Gerwen Suffers Crushing Defeat

Michael van Gerwen suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Mario Vandenbogaerde, his eighth loss from 17 games this year.

The Dutchman exited in the first round on five occasions in the Players Championship this year, including his last four.

He lost to Rhys Griffin at PC12, Maik Kuivenhoven at PC11, and Niko Springer at PC7, before Vandenbogaerde at PC13.

The losing streak has highlighted a worrying pattern for Van Gerwen, who has struggled to hit consistent form this year.

He recently fought against injury, forcing him to pull out of Berlin's Premier League Darts night with a neck injury.

Van Gerwen will have a chance to avenge his loss tomorrow at PC14, and will feature in the Field German Darts Grand Prix in Munich on the weekend.

He threw at an 86 average, and at an appalling 67 average over the last three legs against Vandenbogaerde.

The Dutchman has won only 8 out of 17 games on the Pro Tour this year.

Other players, such as Wessel Nijman, Gerwyn Price, and Josh Rock, have progressed to the next round.

Nijman kicked off his day by smashing Rob Owen 6-0, averaging 111, and pinning a sensational nine-dart-leg.

Van Gerwen's injury was sustained while trying on a new shirt, according to his friend.

He has won just one of his last five games since the injury.